Lapse in Appropriations

For workplace safety and health, please call 800-321-6742; for mine safety and health, please call 800-746-1553; for Job Corps, please call 800-733-5627 and for Wage and Hour, please call 1-866-487-9243 (1 866-4-US-WAGE).  This website is currently not being updated due to the suspension of Federal government services. The last update to the site was 10/1/2025.  Updates to the site will start again when the Federal government resumes operations.

Sexual orientation

You have protections against discrimination

You have the right to work in an environment free of unlawful harassment and other forms of discrimination based on your sexual orientation.

Discrimination can occur when you and the person who discriminated against you share a protected characteristic such as sexual orientation.

You generally have a right to protection from discrimination regardless of your immigration status, although, in some cases, immigration status may limit the remedies that you’ll be able to obtain.
 

What this means for you

Employers are not allowed to discriminate against you because of:

  • your sexual orientation, or

  • marriage or association with a same-sex partner.

Examples of discrimination

In general, this means that you cannot be:

  • fired,

  • rejected for a job or promotion,

  • given lesser assignments,

  • forced to take leave, or

  • otherwise disciplined because of your sexual orientation.

Additional resources

EEOC Protections Against Employment Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity

Questions? We’re here to help

We are committed to helping you understand your rights as a worker.

For additional assistance, please contact:

EEOC: 1-800-669-4000 (ASL Video Phone: 1-844-234-5122), info@eeoc.gov, or use the Public Portal.

Learn about filing a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).